LIGHTING THE WAY TO A BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD ‘ROOM ADDITION’

A: You can add a room to your home without hiring a construction crew by creating an exterior room! Today’s homeowners can take advantage of the areas outside of the home like never before by adding everything you’d expect to find inside a house’s four walls — from furniture and lighting to rugs, fireplaces and accessories.

Before buying supplies, take some time to create a plan for your yard. Consider the following:

•Budget: Plants, tools and supplies can add up quickly. Make a budget and stick to it.

Lighting sets mood

Good lighting not only adds ambience to your garden or patio but also guides the way to your door, boosts safety and increases security. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting lighting:

•Match the style of house-mounted fixtures to your home’s architecture: for example, handcrafted designs with rustic cottages; modern looks with cool cottages and streamlined ranches; and elegant and classic silhouettes with stately manors.